Primal Fear is a 1996 psychological thriller film directed by Gregory Hoblit and based on the novel of the same name by William Diehl. Richard Gere stars as Martin Vail, a hotshot defense lawyer in Chicago who takes on the case of Aaron Stampler (played by Edward Norton), a shy and stuttering altar boy accused of murdering the Archbishop of Chicago.
Vail sees the case as a chance to boost his public profile and gain more prestige, but as he delves deeper into the case, he begins to realize that Stampler may not be as innocent as he appears. Stampler claims that he suffered from multiple personality disorder and that his alter ego, a violent and sociopathic man named Roy, is responsible for the murder.
As Vail investigates, he uncovers a series of shocking revelations about Stampler's past and the people around him, including the Archbishop's mistress (played by Frances McDormand) and Stampler's former employer, a powerful businessman (played by Steven Bauer).
The tension builds as Vail tries to prove Stampler's innocence while also grappling with his own personal demons and ethical conflicts. The film culminates in a shocking twist that upends everything the audience thought it knew about the case and the characters involved.
Primal Fear was a critical and commercial success, earning Norton an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in his feature film debut. The film is known for its gripping performances, twisty plot, and examination of the blurred lines between truth and justice.